Invasive Alien Species

Fynbos vegetation in South Africa: pass above Franschhoek

Invasive alien species can cause the local or complete extinction of native species by outcompeting them, predation, transmission of diseases or reduction in growth rates. They are a particular problem on islands where they have been the main cause of extinctions in the last 20 years, along with habitat destruction. The rate of introductions continues to be extremely high: for example in New Zealand plant introductions alone have occurred at a rate of 11 species per year since European settlement began in 1840.

The MSBP has made many collections from the fynbos biome in South Africa. The fynbos is a global biodiversity hotspot where invasive alien genera such as Acacia and Pinus have already caused the extinction of over 50 plant species and pose a threat to many more.

International action on invasive species is co-ordinated by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP).